News

Fighting Hunger This Summer

07.01.2016

Summer is here! School’s out, pool’s open, and you’re counting the days until your next weekend getaway. Yet, hunger doesn’t have any vacation plans. And it promises to create plenty of headaches for the families of children who will miss out on school-provided meal service this summer.

Each year in Washington, DC, more than 38 thousand students rely on school-provided breakfast and lunch to nourish their bodies and minds. However, during the summer months, only about 60% of those students continue receiving school-provided meals. Additionally, new research shows that the problem is getting worse. According to the Food Research and Action Center, schools distributed 10% less meals on average in 2015 than the summer before.

To support our neighbors this summer, Martha’s Table is offering ways to close the meal gap. But we need your help!

Our popular Joyful Food Markets are popping up all over town throughout July and August. They’re open to the public, and offer 23 pounds of fresh, healthy groceries at no-cost to community members. Check out the schedule above for more information, and sign up for a volunteer shift to pitch in!

McKenna’s Wagon, as always, will go out every single night this summer, offering healthy meals to hundreds of DC residents. However, we’re in short supply of sandwiches. Check out our sandwich making kitonline to find out how you can donate and host a sandwich making party for friends or coworkers!

Our lobby Mini-Market will be open 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Community members in serious need of food for themselves and their families are encouraged to stop by once every 30 days for a bag of fresh produce and healthy kitchen staples at no cost. Check out our volunteer schedule to assist neighbors in the Mini Market, or call the Healthy Eating teamto arrange a food donation.